Intel officially launched the Z77 platform earlier this week, and later this month we'll see the official launch of Ivy Bridge, Intel's 3rd generation Core processors. ASUS has agreed to cart nearly everything it makes (including a handful of unreleased products we saw at CES) over to me in NC for a hands on look on video. More importantly - we're going to be doing a Q&A with you all.

ASUS and I will both be answering your questions on camera. If you have any questions you'd like to see us answer or topics you'd like us to address, respond to the comments here or mention @anandtech with the hashtag #asusivy on Twitter along with your question/topic. We won't be able to get to all of them but we'll pick the most interesting/relevant questions and answer them on camera. The topic is obviously going to be Ivy Bridge and the 7-series platform. Simple questions are fine but what I'd really like to see are topics we can have a good discussion about.

When the video goes live, ASUS is also going to let us give away some new Z77 boards as well. We'll have more details on the giveaway closer to the Ivy Bridge launch.

Make the questions good and I look forward to answering them on camera.

170 Comments

Put thunderbolt on everything. Why do desktops have to wait for things all laptops are getting?

And yes, we don't need many USB 2.0 ports if there are 6+ USB 3.0 ports. Just make sure that there are 2 USB 3.0 and 2-4 USB 2.0 headers on the motherboard for cases and internal uses.

But keep the TWO PS/2 ports on the higher-end boards (at least some ATX models) because they work with millions of KVM's already in use. Not for personal machines, but for labs and racks built for workstations and small servers.Reply

ASUS Response -I cannot comment on the specifics of how the TB header, TB on-board, and Adapter cards will work until the Intel NDA lift date. Sorry, but any discussion about hardware configurations, chipset, performance and cost are under NDA at the moment. Reply

Reading the previous four pages, there seems to be a common thread of wanting higher-quality, newer tech in smaller form factors for HTPC use, etc. We want our Audi A3, BMW 1-series, etc. I can only agree. I want my future builds to be smaller, quieter, and cooler without taking a hit on performance.Reply

I am interested to know what the power rating's are for different supplier's CPU socket's used on 7 series motherboards. Will there be anyway to find out if a motherboard uses a socket optimised for a 77W processor, a 125W processor or an overclocked processor. Which ratings will Asus use on their 7 series motherboards.

Dear Asus,you have been known for quality stable motherboards for years.

Is there hope that ASUS does produce a quality Laptop that caters to mainstream (business) users and is affordable. With that I mean:* High res screen 1600x900 or 1920x1080 in 14" or 15" or 15.6" - no gloss - good viewing angles (color accuracy is only second priority)* Solid chassis, no flex in the keyboard, incl. a solid hinge that does not fall apart (or get loose) after 2 years and opens wide enough* Solid keyboard with full size keys, no 10 block and a dedicated trackpad with dedicated buttons* No gloss plastic* i3 or low end i5* No dedicated graphics (we are mainstream not gamers or 3D enthusiasts, it's wasted money)* 3 USB ports, (ideally one usb2, two usb3)* Cooling that does work, is easy to clean and not clog up after a couple of years* Middle of the road battery life* Good Wifi reception and bluetooth (for wireless mouse)* mSata SSD and a hard drive bay* ~$800 (with 128 GB SSD and 500GB disk and 4 GB)

I bet there is a huge market for laptops that are solid in construction and spend the money on the two things that matter for the user experience of a web-surf/business person* Screen quality (and ergonomics)* Keyboard/Chassis (ergonomics) and trackpad

Processors and dedicated graphics deliver today more than most people need. However the screens and chassis flex and overall durability of most laptop products lack enormously.

Note, I'm not going for max portability (low weight) or small form factor. All that can be optimized for cost. This is for a customer that uses the laptop mostly at home but wants to have the option to sit on a couch or on the porch. Or it is for people that move the laptop from and to the office. However there is no need for all the expensive business features like finger print reader and manageability, etc.

If Apple can deliver a Mac Air for ~$1,000 then a larger less costly chassis should be possible for a lower price point. If need be, build the solid construction and offer the option to upgrade to a better screen for $75 or $100.Reply